Winter 2024
Winter can be a bit forbidding, I suppose. But, if you can focus on the good things, it can also be a great season. Especially if you are enjoying it in our great state of Missouri.
Cold days and nights and snowy roads are a challenge, but winter also gives us the time to sit by a fire with our loved ones. Well-chosen trips during the winter either IRL or through our computer screen can be especially rewarding.
In order to help you plan your trips, I have researched some Missouri travel internet sites.
It is especially important for winter travel to check on road and weather conditions. Back in my teaching days, my principal, Joe Parkinson, used to often say, “Plan Ahead!” It was good advice back in Caruthersville High School, and it still is today. The Missouri Department of Transportation has a web page to help make travel plans. MODOT.org/winter-road-conditions makes it easy to check highway conditions, and it even includes access to video cameras that show live views of highways throughout the state.
I remember as a Missouri farm boy (years ago) taking my sled to slide down the best hill on our farm. I used to wish that I could snow ski. There are now several ski resorts in Missouri. Hidden Vally, just a bit south of St. Lous, is the oldest such resort in Missouri. Even if the natural snow is a bit light, Hidden Vally makes its own. You can check out the resort at HiddenValleySki.com.
Christmas is always a special part of the winter season. If you are near Scott City, just south of Cape Girardeau, you would enjoy a visit to The Yule Log Cabin, found online at YuleLogCabin.com. This little cabin in the woods is filled with 185 decorated Christmas Trees and hundreds of thousands of unique Christmas ornaments, stockings, tree skirts, decorative items and live Christmas trees and wreaths.
Many Missouri communities sponsor a drive through Christmas light display, including The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City: VisitKC.com/visitors/things-do/kansas-city-plaza-lights. Missouri’s official Santa Claus, Jimmy Kuhn, turned on those lights for years. Jimmy was a resident of Glasgow and stared in the Tom Sawyer movie filmed in Arrow Rock (ArrowRock.org).
We have a drive thru display in Glasgow in Kuemmel Park. It is free, but donations are accepted. We also have a lighted Christmas boat parade in our historic downtown. Learn more at VisitMO.com/events/old-fashioned-christmas-boat-parade.
I have a good friend who raises goats. I am sure she would enjoy Baetje Farms (BaetjeFarms.com). This farm is located near Bloomsdale and offers a number of great opportunities. Baetje Farms, pronounced Bay-G, began when co-founders Steve and Veronica Baetje bought their first goat just over 20 years ago. As a hobby, they sought out the best way to make French inspired “Pure Artisan Farmstead” goat cheeses. Since then, Baetje Farms has won more than 70 national and international awards for their cheese which is distributed throughout the Unites States. They also provide lodging in special “tiny houses” and offer hosting for weddings and other celebrations. Of course, they offer a big assortment of delicious goat cheese.
Winter certainly brings thoughts of Christmas and Christmas brings thoughts of fruitcake. I know that many people joke about fruitcake, but once you taste the cake made at Assumption Abbey in Ava, you will become a fan. AssumptionAbbey.org/fruitcakes tells the story of the monks and their business and provides a way to order those delicious cakes.
Enjoy your winter travels. If we should cross paths online or on the IRL highway, say hello. Next to a good slice of fruitcake, I really enjoy those friendly greetings.
Cold days and nights and snowy roads are a challenge, but winter also gives us the time to sit by a fire with our loved ones. Well-chosen trips during the winter either IRL or through our computer screen can be especially rewarding.
In order to help you plan your trips, I have researched some Missouri travel internet sites.
It is especially important for winter travel to check on road and weather conditions. Back in my teaching days, my principal, Joe Parkinson, used to often say, “Plan Ahead!” It was good advice back in Caruthersville High School, and it still is today. The Missouri Department of Transportation has a web page to help make travel plans. MODOT.org/winter-road-conditions makes it easy to check highway conditions, and it even includes access to video cameras that show live views of highways throughout the state.
I remember as a Missouri farm boy (years ago) taking my sled to slide down the best hill on our farm. I used to wish that I could snow ski. There are now several ski resorts in Missouri. Hidden Vally, just a bit south of St. Lous, is the oldest such resort in Missouri. Even if the natural snow is a bit light, Hidden Vally makes its own. You can check out the resort at HiddenValleySki.com.
Christmas is always a special part of the winter season. If you are near Scott City, just south of Cape Girardeau, you would enjoy a visit to The Yule Log Cabin, found online at YuleLogCabin.com. This little cabin in the woods is filled with 185 decorated Christmas Trees and hundreds of thousands of unique Christmas ornaments, stockings, tree skirts, decorative items and live Christmas trees and wreaths.
Many Missouri communities sponsor a drive through Christmas light display, including The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City: VisitKC.com/visitors/things-do/kansas-city-plaza-lights. Missouri’s official Santa Claus, Jimmy Kuhn, turned on those lights for years. Jimmy was a resident of Glasgow and stared in the Tom Sawyer movie filmed in Arrow Rock (ArrowRock.org).
We have a drive thru display in Glasgow in Kuemmel Park. It is free, but donations are accepted. We also have a lighted Christmas boat parade in our historic downtown. Learn more at VisitMO.com/events/old-fashioned-christmas-boat-parade.
I have a good friend who raises goats. I am sure she would enjoy Baetje Farms (BaetjeFarms.com). This farm is located near Bloomsdale and offers a number of great opportunities. Baetje Farms, pronounced Bay-G, began when co-founders Steve and Veronica Baetje bought their first goat just over 20 years ago. As a hobby, they sought out the best way to make French inspired “Pure Artisan Farmstead” goat cheeses. Since then, Baetje Farms has won more than 70 national and international awards for their cheese which is distributed throughout the Unites States. They also provide lodging in special “tiny houses” and offer hosting for weddings and other celebrations. Of course, they offer a big assortment of delicious goat cheese.
Winter certainly brings thoughts of Christmas and Christmas brings thoughts of fruitcake. I know that many people joke about fruitcake, but once you taste the cake made at Assumption Abbey in Ava, you will become a fan. AssumptionAbbey.org/fruitcakes tells the story of the monks and their business and provides a way to order those delicious cakes.
Enjoy your winter travels. If we should cross paths online or on the IRL highway, say hello. Next to a good slice of fruitcake, I really enjoy those friendly greetings.
Fall 2024
Another hot Missouri summer ends and brings the relief of fall temperatures. Life brings all of us challenges, but a Missouri fall can help us to gather our resources as we prepare for another cycle of seasons.
Crisp fall nights provide a welcome relief from the humid heat, and crisp apples provide refreshment that we are eager to enjoy. Fall is a great time to explore Missouri either on the highways or on the internet. We can use the internet to plan IRL trips, or to take a relaxing trip from the comfort of our computer screen. As always, I have researched some web sites to help you travel through your computer or on the IRL road.
I remember childhood trips to the St. Lois Zoo. On one of those trips the sea lions were all inside their shelters. My mother barked loudly and other patrons laughed. That laughter stopped when the sea lions came out and barked back.
The zoo recently announced an exciting new development with an expected opening in 2027. The project, called “WildCare Park”, will occupy 425 acres near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. There will be tours on open buses to let visitors see the animals in natural habitats. These animals will include many endangered species including rhinos and the rare Grevy’s zebra. You can watch an animated rendering at StLZoo.org/about/wildcare-park. You will definitely want to visit in person with the park opens.
The park will also feature walking tours, glamor camping, displays, an educational center, a gift shop and a restaurant. Research facilities are also included. There will be an 11-story high observation tower from which visitors will be able to see the whole park and the confluence of the rivers.
The project will cost 230 million dollars, much of this will be funded from donations. Guest fees will be announced later, but for now, residents of St. Louis County will have free admission.
Missouri is shows off some beautiful fall foliage. This site (OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/beautiful-fall-destinations-mo) lists 11 places around the state to see the spectacular fall views, many of which are free. The site also includes photos.
Of course, we all hope our Missouri baseball teams make a run into October. The Royals are doing well, and my favorite Cardinals have begun to show some promise. You can purchase tickets online to Cardinal games at GetYourGuide.com/st-louis-l1443/st-louis-cardinals-baseball-game-at-busch-stadium-t693892/. The site also lists information about what you can and cannot take into the game. I have been watching the Cardinals on TV, and I have also watched my 16 year old grandson play club baseball this summer by using an app called Gamechanger (gc.com) on my computer. In fact, while I am writing this, he is getting ready to play in Atlanta, Georgia. I will be watching from Glasgow, Missouri.
Speaking of Glasgow, our little town has many nice things to do. We are the site of the first all-steel railroad bridge in the world, a civil war battle and the oldest single family-owned drug store in the United States. You can make a quick online visit at DowntownDifferent.com/glasgow/Missouri. Our friendly people will be happy to greet you in person.
I hope you have a great Missouri fall. If we should cross paths at a baseball game or while you are visiting Glasgow, be sure to say hello. A Missouri fall day is a perfect time for friends to meet and visit.
Crisp fall nights provide a welcome relief from the humid heat, and crisp apples provide refreshment that we are eager to enjoy. Fall is a great time to explore Missouri either on the highways or on the internet. We can use the internet to plan IRL trips, or to take a relaxing trip from the comfort of our computer screen. As always, I have researched some web sites to help you travel through your computer or on the IRL road.
I remember childhood trips to the St. Lois Zoo. On one of those trips the sea lions were all inside their shelters. My mother barked loudly and other patrons laughed. That laughter stopped when the sea lions came out and barked back.
The zoo recently announced an exciting new development with an expected opening in 2027. The project, called “WildCare Park”, will occupy 425 acres near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. There will be tours on open buses to let visitors see the animals in natural habitats. These animals will include many endangered species including rhinos and the rare Grevy’s zebra. You can watch an animated rendering at StLZoo.org/about/wildcare-park. You will definitely want to visit in person with the park opens.
The park will also feature walking tours, glamor camping, displays, an educational center, a gift shop and a restaurant. Research facilities are also included. There will be an 11-story high observation tower from which visitors will be able to see the whole park and the confluence of the rivers.
The project will cost 230 million dollars, much of this will be funded from donations. Guest fees will be announced later, but for now, residents of St. Louis County will have free admission.
Missouri is shows off some beautiful fall foliage. This site (OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/beautiful-fall-destinations-mo) lists 11 places around the state to see the spectacular fall views, many of which are free. The site also includes photos.
Of course, we all hope our Missouri baseball teams make a run into October. The Royals are doing well, and my favorite Cardinals have begun to show some promise. You can purchase tickets online to Cardinal games at GetYourGuide.com/st-louis-l1443/st-louis-cardinals-baseball-game-at-busch-stadium-t693892/. The site also lists information about what you can and cannot take into the game. I have been watching the Cardinals on TV, and I have also watched my 16 year old grandson play club baseball this summer by using an app called Gamechanger (gc.com) on my computer. In fact, while I am writing this, he is getting ready to play in Atlanta, Georgia. I will be watching from Glasgow, Missouri.
Speaking of Glasgow, our little town has many nice things to do. We are the site of the first all-steel railroad bridge in the world, a civil war battle and the oldest single family-owned drug store in the United States. You can make a quick online visit at DowntownDifferent.com/glasgow/Missouri. Our friendly people will be happy to greet you in person.
I hope you have a great Missouri fall. If we should cross paths at a baseball game or while you are visiting Glasgow, be sure to say hello. A Missouri fall day is a perfect time for friends to meet and visit.
Summer 2024
Summer in Missouri can be both magical and challenging. Farmers are working hard, either praying for more rain or praying that it stop. Daytime temperatures can be oppressively hot, but those summer nights bring cool breezes and gentle relief. A summer evening on a farm porch sipping a glass of lemonade while listening to the soft music of night birds and insects and inhaling the even softer scent of honeysuckle or fresh cut hay is a delight. Those nights in my youth were wonderful. One of my treasured memories involves a June evening, a full moon and a gentle breeze stirring the leaves of a silver maple tree.
We can’t go back in reality to those good days of the past, but we can make new memories. Even if we don’t have a country summer porch, we do have our window to the world in our computer screen and, hopefully, some time to travel IRL in Missouri.
In order to help you plan some trips, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber-travel visits.
Remember drive-in movies? If you are near my age, you have likely seen some movies at a drive-in. There are not many of them around anymore, but you might get a chance to revisit the past or give your kids an experience they will remember at a historic drive in at Carthage. There was something special about those drive-in nights. I don’t usually put Facebook sites in my columns, but I will make an exception for the 66 Drive-In Theater, which can be found at Facebook.com/66drivein. The drive-in is open during the summer months and shows mostly new movies, with the occasional blast from the past. On Saturday nights, you can see two movies for the price of one. At that price, you won’t feel tempted to load up your friends and family in the trunk of the car to sneak them in. Just kidding, I would never do that.
For me, one of the best things about summer (Spring and Fall, too) is baseball. I spent years as a youth coach and now enjoy watching my grandson play for Chaminade High School. This summer, he will be playing club baseball, and I hope to see some of those games as well. My wife and I are faithful Cardinals fans and we watch them as much as we can. This season has not been too great so far, but we still have hope. A great tour opportunity is the tours of the stadium. Read about them at MLB.com/cardinals/ballpark/tours . Don’t forget the Royals, they have a similar tour in Kansas City: MLB.com/royals/ballpark/tours .
Do you enjoy wine? Did you know that before prohibition, Missouri was the leading wine producing state in the country? That industry has made a great comeback in recent years. We now have many fine vineyards with new ones opening frequently. MissouriWine.org will help you learn about Missouri wineries. Included in the listing of wineries is Becketts Winery: BeckettsRestaurant.com/winery here in my hometown of Glasgow. You can sign up for a free membership on the Missouri wine page that will provide you with information, discounts and information about special programs at the many wineries. A leisurely tour of one or more wineries is a great summer activity. Most offer free tastings and outdoor tables where you can sip and converse while enjoying a lovely view.
I hope you have a great Missouri summer. If we should cross paths while enjoying a glass of Missouri wine or if you see me at a baseball game, be sure to say “Hello.” New friends and a nice visit can really make the summer a good time.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
We can’t go back in reality to those good days of the past, but we can make new memories. Even if we don’t have a country summer porch, we do have our window to the world in our computer screen and, hopefully, some time to travel IRL in Missouri.
In order to help you plan some trips, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber-travel visits.
Remember drive-in movies? If you are near my age, you have likely seen some movies at a drive-in. There are not many of them around anymore, but you might get a chance to revisit the past or give your kids an experience they will remember at a historic drive in at Carthage. There was something special about those drive-in nights. I don’t usually put Facebook sites in my columns, but I will make an exception for the 66 Drive-In Theater, which can be found at Facebook.com/66drivein. The drive-in is open during the summer months and shows mostly new movies, with the occasional blast from the past. On Saturday nights, you can see two movies for the price of one. At that price, you won’t feel tempted to load up your friends and family in the trunk of the car to sneak them in. Just kidding, I would never do that.
For me, one of the best things about summer (Spring and Fall, too) is baseball. I spent years as a youth coach and now enjoy watching my grandson play for Chaminade High School. This summer, he will be playing club baseball, and I hope to see some of those games as well. My wife and I are faithful Cardinals fans and we watch them as much as we can. This season has not been too great so far, but we still have hope. A great tour opportunity is the tours of the stadium. Read about them at MLB.com/cardinals/ballpark/tours . Don’t forget the Royals, they have a similar tour in Kansas City: MLB.com/royals/ballpark/tours .
Do you enjoy wine? Did you know that before prohibition, Missouri was the leading wine producing state in the country? That industry has made a great comeback in recent years. We now have many fine vineyards with new ones opening frequently. MissouriWine.org will help you learn about Missouri wineries. Included in the listing of wineries is Becketts Winery: BeckettsRestaurant.com/winery here in my hometown of Glasgow. You can sign up for a free membership on the Missouri wine page that will provide you with information, discounts and information about special programs at the many wineries. A leisurely tour of one or more wineries is a great summer activity. Most offer free tastings and outdoor tables where you can sip and converse while enjoying a lovely view.
I hope you have a great Missouri summer. If we should cross paths while enjoying a glass of Missouri wine or if you see me at a baseball game, be sure to say “Hello.” New friends and a nice visit can really make the summer a good time.
J.Y. Miller lives in Glasgow and is a regular contributor to Show-Me Missouri. His e-mail address is jymiller@ShowMeMissouri.net.
Spring 2024
Spring is certain welcome this year. Missouri gave us a mild winter, until it didn’t. We finished up with snow, ice and very cold temperatures. Here in Glasgow, I had frozen pipes and stayed in the house as much as possible.
A Missouri spring always brings more than just an end to the winter storms and cold. It brings the promise of new life along with green grass, sweet flowers and weather that can be enjoyed in shorts and t-shirts. It also brings the opportunity to travel in our beautiful state.
I have searched some internet sites to visit online or to help plan for IRL travel.
Echo Bluff State Park, near Eminence, offers some wonderful opportunities for your travel. At EchoBluffStatePark.com, you can read about all the typical park activities, including a lodge, cabins and both tent and RV campsites. The park also features a great restaurant, the Creekside Grill with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also can host wedding receptions if spring has you in a romantic mood.
The Magic House on Kirkwood in St. Lous is a unique place to visit with children. MagicHouse.org/about-us/, explains the attraction’s history and purpose. It is a tax-exempt non-profit that is dedicated to the education of young people. The mission statement tells the story: “The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum will engage all children with hands-on learning experiences that spark imagination, pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder, joy and magic.”
The Magic House was founded in 1979 and has continued to grow both in size and in programs since then. An award-winning educational destination, The Magic House was recognized in 2021 as the #2 children’s museum in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice.
This website, OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/wolf-sanctuary-hiding-mo/, promises “A howling good time”. It tells about the wolf sanctuary in Eureka, just west of St. Louis.
Sometimes, we want a relaxing adult weekend. OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/the-remote-winery-in-mo-thats-picture-perfect-for-a-day-trip, might give you some ideas for that get-away. Charleville Vineyard Winery and Microbrewery can be found off the beaten path in Ste. Genevieve. The website provides numerous photos, and the winery offers wine tastings and sales along with their own craft beer. They have a historic cabin which houses a rustic bed and breakfast.
Almost everyone loves the ragtime music of Scott Joplin. He lived and worked in Sedalia for a time and in 1902, he rented a room at 2658 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis. That location is now the Scott Joplin Museum. MoStateParks.com/park/scott-joplin-house-state-historic-site, features photos of the museum and sound files of some of his music, including “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.
Another ragtime piano composer, who is not as well known as he should be is Lee Edgar “Jelly” Settle, the composer of the Missouri Waltz. He lived in New Franklin, and is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery just north of the town. You can read about the somewhat controversial story of the Missouri Waltz at this site at JYMiller.net/HCGSnews2023feb.pdf. That will take you to one of the newsletters of the Howard County Genealogical Society: JYMiller.net/HCGS.html. Full disclosure, I am the president of the HCGS, and I do a slide show on the Missouri Waltz.
I hope you enjoy a terrific spring in Missouri. If we should cross paths while watching wolves or enjoying a glass of Missouri wine, be sure to say, “Hello.” Sometimes, the best part of travel is to share an experience with a friend.
A Missouri spring always brings more than just an end to the winter storms and cold. It brings the promise of new life along with green grass, sweet flowers and weather that can be enjoyed in shorts and t-shirts. It also brings the opportunity to travel in our beautiful state.
I have searched some internet sites to visit online or to help plan for IRL travel.
Echo Bluff State Park, near Eminence, offers some wonderful opportunities for your travel. At EchoBluffStatePark.com, you can read about all the typical park activities, including a lodge, cabins and both tent and RV campsites. The park also features a great restaurant, the Creekside Grill with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also can host wedding receptions if spring has you in a romantic mood.
The Magic House on Kirkwood in St. Lous is a unique place to visit with children. MagicHouse.org/about-us/, explains the attraction’s history and purpose. It is a tax-exempt non-profit that is dedicated to the education of young people. The mission statement tells the story: “The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum will engage all children with hands-on learning experiences that spark imagination, pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder, joy and magic.”
The Magic House was founded in 1979 and has continued to grow both in size and in programs since then. An award-winning educational destination, The Magic House was recognized in 2021 as the #2 children’s museum in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice.
This website, OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/wolf-sanctuary-hiding-mo/, promises “A howling good time”. It tells about the wolf sanctuary in Eureka, just west of St. Louis.
Sometimes, we want a relaxing adult weekend. OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/the-remote-winery-in-mo-thats-picture-perfect-for-a-day-trip, might give you some ideas for that get-away. Charleville Vineyard Winery and Microbrewery can be found off the beaten path in Ste. Genevieve. The website provides numerous photos, and the winery offers wine tastings and sales along with their own craft beer. They have a historic cabin which houses a rustic bed and breakfast.
Almost everyone loves the ragtime music of Scott Joplin. He lived and worked in Sedalia for a time and in 1902, he rented a room at 2658 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis. That location is now the Scott Joplin Museum. MoStateParks.com/park/scott-joplin-house-state-historic-site, features photos of the museum and sound files of some of his music, including “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.
Another ragtime piano composer, who is not as well known as he should be is Lee Edgar “Jelly” Settle, the composer of the Missouri Waltz. He lived in New Franklin, and is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery just north of the town. You can read about the somewhat controversial story of the Missouri Waltz at this site at JYMiller.net/HCGSnews2023feb.pdf. That will take you to one of the newsletters of the Howard County Genealogical Society: JYMiller.net/HCGS.html. Full disclosure, I am the president of the HCGS, and I do a slide show on the Missouri Waltz.
I hope you enjoy a terrific spring in Missouri. If we should cross paths while watching wolves or enjoying a glass of Missouri wine, be sure to say, “Hello.” Sometimes, the best part of travel is to share an experience with a friend.